Four years ago I contracted to have a minisplit installed, it cost me about 12X what a good 12k window shaker costs. I wasn't happy but if that's what it costs so be it, I was getting close to 70 and did not want to schlep that box from the garage to the window again. After that they told me it would be an additional $900 to wire it.

I worked as an industrial electrician for years so I know what I'm doing for anything 480v and lower. I told them I would provide a AC disconnect anyplace they needed it and provide that with a properly fused 240v feed, they agreed to that.

They came and got ready to install it and asked me when my electrician would be there. After explaining what I agreed to, I told them to hook up the three wires themselves or put it back on the truck. They called the office and were told to wire it.

I was not going to pay an exorbitant fee to run 20 ft of #12 wire and screw a $15 disconnect to the wall of the house. When I last had my roof done I told them the chimney needed repointing and asked if they could do that. They said sure and the roofers dad and his grandfather showed up to do the job the next day. They took it down to the roof and built it back up for $400, do you know what a mason would have charged for that - well over a grand.